We Love You, But You Have to Leave

My time at the University of New Mexico was filled with odd twists, one of which still makes me chuckle. You see, I was a music major, fresh into my second year of teaching music theory and ear training at the university I also attended, when I received a rather cryptic summons.

The call came from the office of the Fine Arts Department's chairperson. I had absolutely no idea why they wanted to see me. My mind started racing, and I couldn't help but wonder what on earth I'd done wrong. When I got to the office, with a touch of anxiety, I asked the secretary why I was being summoned.

But her response was maddeningly vague. "Just go in," she said. "Go where?" I countered, now worried about my supposed misdeeds. But she wouldn't spill the beans and just insisted I go into the office.

Reluctantly, I walked in, and to my surprise, there sat the Fine Arts Department chairperson and Dr. Seymour, who was the head of the Music Department. And... my father. My dad was a member of the University's Board of Regents-but why was he at this meeting?

The chairperson began by saying something that left me utterly baffled. Apparently, my student evaluations from the last year and a half were consistently off the charts, like nothing they'd ever seen before. They then dropped a bombshell. They wanted me to get a Master's degree and keep teaching at the University. The catch? I had to go to another school to get that Master's, and then return to teach at UNM. The chairperson said that was the common practice in most universities.

My response was probably not as diplomatic as they'd hoped. I blurted out, "That's a stupid rule!" It was at this point that my father, wearing his 'dad' hat, chimed in with his verdict: "You're going."

Now I understood why my dad was at the meeting.?

So, off I went on a new academic adventure, one that took me to unexpected places. But I'll save that story for my next newsletter.

Looking back, I should have given myself the benefit of doubt and not assume the meeting was called to skewer me for some misdeed. But seeing my dad in that office really threw me for a loop!

From this experience, I learned to choose a positive mindset instead of a negative mindset. This change to positivity has proven to be effective in all meetings I have. Keeping a positive mindset, even if pulled on the carpet, allows you to enter a meeting with a growth mindset and find better solutions.

Melinda coaches a range of clients-those in transition, those needing a thought partner and those needing more tools in their toolbox.?

She also coaches people who experience self-doubt. She gets them to acknowledge their feelings of self- doubt and overcome them so they can live the life meant for them.?

She uses her experience as a psychotherapist to help clients identify their blind spots and improve their hidden traits.?

Melinda is in Carbondale, Colorado. You can reach her at 970-274-3130 or via email. You can get on her calendar here.